High Oleic Soybeans Thrive in Maryland

Jun 14, 2017

2017 marks the sixth season of high oleic soybeans. Currently grown throughout the soybean belt, these varieties allow farmers to offer end-use customers an American-grown, highly functional oil without sacrificing performance.

Beginning in limited areas of Ohio in 2011, high oleic has gradually expanded over the years to 12 states, including Maryland.

“Last year’s crop was the best my high oleic soybeans have produced,” says Steve Moore, former soy checkoff farmer-leader from Sudlersville, Maryland. “They performed just as well as the top-line commodity soybeans I grew. Last year was the fourth year I’ve grown them, and I’m going to continue doing so.”

The soybean industry’s goal for high oleic soybean acreage is 18 million planted acres. If the industry reaches 18 million acres, high oleic soybeans will be the fourth-largest grain and oilseed crop in the United States, behind corn, soybeans and wheat.

High oleic soybean varieties are packed with the same agronomic traits and performance that farmers expect from their traditional soybean varieties. Farmers continue to see high oleic yield competitively in their fields year after year. Additionally, they typically do not require more work than regular soybeans.

“High oleic soybeans provide more diversity for our farm,” Moore says. “We have a grain mill close to us that accepts high oleic soybeans, so that’s an added bonus. It’s actually closer than our regular mill.”

Whether used in a fryer or as a lubricant in synthetic motor oil, the oil is more functional than other oils. And since high oleic soybeans are in demand, processors are paying a premium for them.

“There are a lot of benefits to growing high oleic soybeans,” Moore says. “Their yields are equal to the best varieties out there, and we get a 50-cent premium for them.”

A new, free tool at soyinnovation.com can show farmers how to earn more with high oleic soybeans. The calculator determines your additional revenue potential and accounts for any extra costs you might see for handling these identity-preserved varieties.

While you’re there, you can also learn more about high oleic demand, contract opportunities and growth potential.